Things to Do – September

By Barbara Rengers

Certain activities regarding growing plants and other aspects of the succulent hobby tend to recur at about the same time every year. Here are some reminders for things to address in September.

1. Prepare your winter quarters. Clean and disinfect, if necessary.
2. Water plants less frequently and stop using fertilizer.
3. Maintain plenty of fresh air, especially at night, to help plants increase their resistance to pests and diseases.
4. Examine outdoor plants for infestations of all kinds.
5. Keep Schlumbergera truncate relatively dry for about four weeks from mid-September on. They will set lots of flower buds if kept cool and in bright light.
6. Autumn is an important time for strong spine formation and flower production next spring.